Suicide prevention experts offer help in wake of Williams' death

The recent death of actor and comedian Robin Williams serves as a tragic reminder that depression is a serious illness, suicide prevention experts say.

“People say, ‘You have all this success and money. How could you do this?’” said Robert Gebbia, CEO of the American Society for Suicide Prevention. “But we know that’s not the case. It is an illness.”

Williams, 63, died Monday in his California home in an apparent suicide. His publicist said he had recently battled severe depression.

The vast majority of suicide victims suffer from depression or another mental health problem.

Historically, experts said, there has been a stigma associated with mental health issues, and many people suffering from the illnesses have been reluctant to seek treatment.

“We’re starting to see that change a little bit, but people for some reason when they have depression feel that it’s somehow their fault and that they should be able to pull themselves together,” Gebbia said.

“People are afraid to get help because they associate mental health disorders with being violent or crazy, when really they’re very common to have,” Totten said.

In Massachusetts, 588 people committed suicide in 2011, the most recent year for which full statistics are available, according to the Department of Public Health.

Nationally, there were 39,518 suicides in 2011, according to the Centers for Disease control and Prevention, an average of one every 13 minutes.

Massachusetts, which reported 8.9 suicide deaths per 100,000 residents, has one of the lower suicide rates in the nation and the lowest in New England. The national suicide rate in 2011 was 12.3 per 100,000.

Suicide rates declined from 1990 to 2000, then began rising, a trend seen both nationally and in Massachusetts. From 2003 to 2011, the overall suicide rate in Massachusetts increased 35 percent, according to the DPH.

Totten said that anyone who has learned a loved one or friend is suicidal should not leave that person alone and should seek immediate help from a medical or mental health professional. Any weapons, sharp objects or drugs should be removed.

If a person is exhibiting warning signs of suicide, it’s OK to ask if he or she is suicidal, said Totten, who founded Families for Depression Awareness 20 years ago after losing her brother to suicide.

“If they’re not suicidal, but depressed, it’s best to start with compassion,” she said.

Acting frustrated is usually counterproductive.

She recommends directing the person to treatment and following up to make sure he or she is getting appropriate treatment. She also suggests bringing the person to the treatment appointment.

Warning signs that a person is suicidal include talking about wanting to die, talking about being a burden to others, withdrawing or feeling isolated, talking about feeling hopeless or in unbearable pain, increasing drug or alcohol use, sleeping too much or too little and exhibiting mood swings.

Even if someone suffering from depression is not suicidal, seeking treatment can often increase the person’s quality of life. Treatment often includes medication, therapy or a combination of the two.

“People can get well,” Gebbia said. “The sad thing about those who make a suicide attempt is they don’t realize that at the time. Through treatment, we can save a lot more lives … Depression is often very debilitating.”

Gerry Tuoti is the Regional Newsbank Editor for GateHouse Media New England. Email him atgtuoti@wickedlocal.com or call him at 508-967-3137.